Athletics

Michael T. Benson, the 27th president of West Virginia University, never planned on trading beach breezes for the hills of Morgantown. But life — and leadership — has a way of pulling people toward places where they’re most needed. He has already begun to fully immerse himself in campus life, with plans to meet as many members of the WVU community and residents of the Mountain State as possible in his first few weeks on the job.

West Virginia University has released its Spring 2025 Dean’s and President’s lists, along with the complete list of spring semester graduates.

Making strategic investments while addressing increasing costs, the West Virginia University Board of Governors approved a $1.2 billion financial plan for Fiscal Year 2026 during a Friday meeting (June 13), which was the last for outgoing University President Gordon Gee.

In recognition of their loyalty and service to West Virginia University, five Mountaineers will be inducted into the Order of Vandalia during a Friday (June 6) ceremony. The 2025 inductees are Judge Irene Berger, Dr. John Brick, Tom Jones, Ken Kendrick and Carolyn Long.

Marking a Mountaineer milestone, West Virginia University President Gordon Gee and other distinguished speakers delivered inspiring messages on the power of perseverance during times of change to thousands of University graduates during nine Commencement ceremonies this weekend (May 16-18) at the Coliseum.

According to West Virginia University alumni leader David K. Hendrickson, there’s only one “team” at WVU that consistently remains undefeated — the Mountaineer Marching Band. Hendrickson’s passion for the band motivated him to make a $50,000 gift to support the Pride Practice Field and Facility in conjunction with this year’s WVU Day of Giving, and he challenged other alumni to match his gift, raising over $150,000 in total to support the project.

A West Virginia University tradition continues with Cade Kincaid formally accepting the role of the Mountaineer mascot during a symbolic rifle passing ceremony Friday (April 4) at the Mountainlair, marking the end of Braden Adkins’ era as the Mountaineer.

Supporters of West Virginia University donated a record $46.2 million Wednesday (March 26) during the University’s eighth Day of Giving. More than 10,300 gifts were made during the 24-hour online fundraising event held across the University system, also a record. The $46.2 million figure tops 2024’s WVU Day of Giving record of $30.4 million raised from over 8,500 gifts.

Ross Hodge, who has won 80% of his games as a head coach and is considered one of the nation's top defensive masterminds, has been named the 24th head men's basketball coach at West Virginia University, Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker announced today.

Participants in Wednesday’s (March 26) Day of Giving at West Virginia University will have multiple opportunities to boost the overall impact of their gifts through hourly and all-day challenges.